I'm so glad you wrote this @ally-le!

When I was considering the theme this month, my mind immediately went to Lee Ki-kwang also. I also didn't know he was an Idol and thought his performance in Circle was fantastic. I was tempted to jokingly try once again to get that elusive Circle post published finally! But in the end decided not to.

So glad you brought up what a scene stealer he was, especially in a drama with actors like Yeo Jin-goo.

Thank you for writing this, @ally-le. I used to be extra cautious when praising idol-actor because many people judge them harshly solely for the fact that they are idols. But there are so many talented idol-actors out there that it would be nice if we can focused on what they are able to deliver instead of who they are.

No Eun Jiiiii~!!!!? I guess she's a lead and not a scene stealer though haha.
But otherwise a very nice and tightly written piece! Love it.

I wish I could have your "I never knew he was an idol!" epiphanies, but I always know they are idols from following K-pop. For every one good idol-actor, there are a dozen idols who have no business acting and would have never been casted had they not been idols (Son Naeun). Then there are idols with breakout performances (Lee Hyeri in Reply 1988) who self-destruct in follow-up projects. Kim Min Jae is not an idol; he never debuted in CJ E&M.

Kikwang!!! 😍😍😍 (yup you know i came here for him ☺😂😂)

@ally-le Thank you for writing this! Yup, with him in a few kdramas recently but still none of them turned me into a kpop fan. But i really look forward to his acting and future dramas.

This is so true 👌🏿👌🏿 And I think some idols actually go to companies to become actors but are later told to be idols 🤷🏾‍♀️

The most important is talent and the emotion they can convey. Plus Deok-hwa was amazing in Goblin as the God 😁

What a great post @ally-le! I used to be the same, I thought idols shouldn’t have been acting when most of them were awfully bad (I’m talking about era circa 2010). But the time has changed and nowadays there are so many idols who are really good in acting too.

Ki Kwang was definitely a scene stealer for me in Circle, I had no idea he wasn’t even an actor originally. But it was D.O. in Hello Monster (I remember You) who truly caught my attention. He was both charming and terrifying as a younger version of the villain and I was so surprised to find out he was an idol.

Oooh great post @ally-le!*clap clap*

Thank you for defending actor-dols. They get so much hate for no reason at all - what matters is that one is able to carry their role. It's not like all actors are better than all idols in any role.

Glad that we have such a discussion post @ally-le. I don't have horse in this race so I don't get the hate or opposition toward idol actors. Acting is such a hard occupation to get in and get by that aspiring actors worldwide try various paths to get a chance. And with agencies system in SK rookies often have no say in how they will debut, Gong Seung Yeon was prepared to debut as idol but started as actress in the end, Lee Joon auditioned as actor from beginning, but ended in idol group, and frankly is hard to say if he has an acting career if not for his idol status at first, same with Seo In Guk.
And frankly in the entertainment industry talent is least important thing to get by, all you need is luck, good look and good connections, after all any of us can name plenty of names with miniscule acting abilities but plenty of success and popularity and none of this names would idols.

"I actually preferred the younger portrayals of the star-crossed, manipulated king and his young queen. He played the immature and jealous king with so much heart that I didn’t hate him, I really felt sorry for him."His intense gazes and his voice charged with emotion were really something. I wouldn't have minded if Kim Min-jae and Kim So-hyun had had more screen time together.

I completely agree with you. And also with what you said about Yook Sung-jae. "His irreverent behavior towards his elders never felt disrespectful or rude, but cheeky and endearing." He is one of my favourite idol actor. I've seen him in THE VILLAGE and SCHOOL 2015, too.

Thank you for writing this @ally-le. I'm especially fond of Key's character in Lookout and watch for his next role as well as Kim Min Jae's.

As I know nothing whatsoever about idols, I'm always surprised when someone brings it up. For example, I loved Bomi in BTLIOF (very high on my list of favourite characters in that drama) and had no idea she was in a group until you just mentioned it.

To add another idol to your list, I really liked Ro Woon in Fox Bride Star. He did a great job as a very likeable second lead.

I didnt know that Kim Min Jae is (was?) an idol until this post? I thought he is just a talented rookie actor. He was fantastic in Goblin. These few years, we probably got more talented idol actors debuted as an actor and some of them are so good that I don't think idol-actor tag is appropriate from them tbh.

But there was a phase when we got way too many untalented ones getting major roles/lead and failed spectacularly. Not to mention fans who get a bit defensive over oppar/unnie in the comment section. While I'm glad she/he is a hard working person, I still need to see the result on that hard work translate on screen or at least not break the flow.
Do I care if she/he is an idol-actor/ model-actor/rookie actor? No. As long as you are good in that role.

@ally-le: such nice writing! I never thought of idols when the theme of this month for scene stealers came out (my bad!). It was a nice appreciation towards the idols for their efforts. I really wish they (the one that acts good) have many more opportunities to continue acting and get recognition in their acting career!!!!

Speaking of which, HIGH KICKS will forever be the series of dramas with MOST idols-turn-scene-stealers that catch audience attention from their (first) actings. I can name several:
- Highkick 1: Chan Sung - 2PM, Kim Bum - Super Junior, Shin Ji - Kyote... (I love them all!)
- Highkick 2: Hwang Jung Eum, Yoo In Na ((i don't remember their group names), Lee Ki Kwang - Beast (please watch his cuts for his puppy love for Jung Eum haha),...
- Highkick 3: Krystal F(x) and Seung Yoon Winners (I don't watch this show much but I don't think they are scene-stealers though!).

Another series are DREAM HIGH 1,2 that stars many idols. I only watch the first one, but don't really adore Suzy - Miss A and Eun Jung - Tara, but IU vs Woo Young and 2PM Teak Yeon are really really cute!

And I CAN NOT NOT name REPLY 1997 with their idol scence stealers (I'm sorry if any one get fed of me mentioning this drama every chance I've got!):
- Eum Ji Won - Sechkies: the scene he gave Yoo Jung earphone, when he is scared of the girls fighting, when he gets caught watching xx,... haha funny.
- Seo Il Gook: he is lead but he is really an idol turn actor. I can not speak enough of him in this, but Reply 1997 really starts all the rambles I have about him here!!!!
- Jeong Eun Ji - Apink: can she be any crazier? Is she just being herself? I just cant believe a rookie idol turn actress can act like that!!!! When she sobs hearing her dad getting sick, when she realizes who she actually loves,...
- Hoya: the very 2nd lead that deserves a standing ovation! He silently stays as best friend with Yoon Jae, and is the one friend that Si Won can honestly speak her thoughts,... The many times that he confesses jokingly... I wish he has more in-depth characters like that in future to show off his acting skills.

Of the same chain, we have Reply 1994's Baro, Reply 1988's Hye Ri, that also get acknowledge for their acting!

Ahhh I think I still forgot some big names... :D

What a brilliant write up, @ally-le. I haven't seen most of the dramas you've referred to here but I have seen the actors in others and liked them. I'll add these to my ever-growing watch-list.

Btw, I would pay to read your written work, since it's already been one of my Friday OT staples! Thanks again for the lovely read.

@ally-le I loved this so much. You’ve nailed picking some of the best idol scene stealers out there.
The other ones on the top of my head right now are Eun Jin won and Hoya who were incredible in RR1997.
And for mains I’d say Eunji, Junho, Park Hyung Sik, UEE, D.O, Seo In Guk ... I’m sure I’m forgetting many 😂

Yes, yes, YES! I'm no Kpop fan and the only reason I recognize idols is because of their excellent acting performances in dramas. Who's D.O.? I only know the actor, Do Kyung Soo who appeared in a number of tear-jerking Korean movies. Who's V? I cried for the adorable, lovable Han Sung. And so on.

Hi Ally! Thank you for this!

I was very surprise to see Leeki/Kikwang/ Gikwang instead of Doo Joon. But I loved how you wrote about him. And you have seen him in Circle before you knew him as an idol.

He first ventured into cameos and variety shows, which made me as a fan worry,given the biases against idol-actors. But after his KBS Special, I didn't have to worry about him.

For the longest time my favorite Leeki drama has always been his KBS Special My Friend is Still Alive. Brought me to tears. Just in case some Beanies want to watch, here's the link for KBSWORLD https://youtu.be/tGj7b29zQk0

Woah I had to say, what a resume @ally-le ! Also that honestly there should be no prejudice against people having one career but pursuing another. I know tonnes of people not pursuing what they have studies yet many people have issues with idol-actors. I think this comes from earlier few people who weren't really good actors but the main person in their groups so they were pushed to acting too. However, I see even those idols improving now. It isn't necessary that everyone is good at sth they are starting to work in. But yes I guess there are many idols who told their agencies beforehand that they would like to pursue acting so many of them are more naturally talented than the others.

nice write up, @ally-le!

my first foray into Kpop was because of Eric when i first watched Que Sera Sera early on in my Kdrama watching career. in my quest to find all of his dramas/movies, i discovered that he belonged to the (1st generation) idol group, Shinhwa.

then came Lee Jun Ki, after i watched him in Time Between Dog & Wolf - researching him informed me that he was huge solo singer idol (before the Hallyu Wave) and at that time, was just about to get out of the military.

my daughter had been listening to Kpop since the mid 2000s, so it brought something we would have in common, as she would be amazed that i knew who a particular idol was (later, the likes of TOP in Iris; Eun-ji and Hoya in Reply 1997, L in Shut Up Flower Boy Band, and all the idols in Dream High).
: D

some are better actors than others, of course - and you mentioned the stand-outs - but i am constantly impressed as time goes on how good some of the idols are/ have become at acting. you'd think it'd be enough that they can sing, but a lot of them became "triple threats" = good at singing, dancing and acting...

wow, just like the Hollywood olden days, right?
; )

but in the US, it's no longer necessarily the case, is it (as back in the "olden days" - singer/dancer/actors/actresses)... gotta give these korean idols a helluva lotta credit for their talent and skills on all of these fronts!

'course, they were worked like crazy from their early teens to debut, but i'm glad it paid off for them -- hopefully most of them, if acting is the path they ultimately pursue. they won't remain young idols forever... well, Eric is still an idol in my book... Shinhwa he was the main reason i went to Kcon LA in 2015 (my daughter went for GOT7 and Super Junior, et al) and even withstood the mosh pit for the concerts, omg... and it was so WORTH IT to see them all close up...
*swears off being a groupie (the oldest one there) ever since*

Where's the like button when I need it? Seriously these posts need to have those, because I'd like to like your writing a hundred times Ally.
I'm just so glad you chose this topic on "a defense of the crazy super talented idol-actors who steal every scene they grace." as you've well said ^^
(Because I've had the similar old attitude as you until one day I realized how stubborn & rigid I was XD)

So I'm glad to read this today, I feel like this was a reminder for me as well ^^

Thanks for tackling this topic @ally-le. I do agree with you.

I did start by having a reduced confidence in a character in the past because an idol acted that role, but I've since come around because there are so many good idol-actors now.

The one who blew me away and made me 'fall in love' with the character was Lee Jun Ho in Just Between Lovers/Rain or Shine. That was consummate acting. Through and through, I only saw the character, 'Lee Gang Doo', and not Lee Jun Ho. I ached with him and smiled with him and totally gave myself over to that show because of the way he portrayed Gang Doo. One of the most compelling performances that I've had the privilege to enjoy. 😄

As a JBL trash, I have to mention Junho. He was phenomenal in all his projects this year.

I know Yoon Doo-Joon is a lead, but he is my favorite idol-actor. 3 seasons of Let's Eat and all of them were great.

How come we can't LIKE posts??? Pls consider this my LIKE!

Thank you Ally for this article! I am not sure you have experienced the same fear for some Beanies' reaction of "you forgot my oppa!" as Javabeans and Girfirday did when they published their article Top 10 Idol Actors😆
http://www.dramabeans.com/2017/01/top-10-idol-actors-in-dramaland/

My curiosity about some of the idols actors of dramas I have watched introduced me to the world of K-pop. There is certainly a new generation of excellent idol actors in Dramaland as Beanies have listed them, but for me it is particularly satisfying to see some of the idols grow as actors. One example that comes to mind recently is L and Go Ara. Before Miss Hammurabi, I have not watched L but heard mostly negative reviews about him as an actor, and I really could not get into any of Go Ara's roles. Their interpretations made me embrace their characters in MH and led me to finish my very first legal drama ever.

Bravo! 👏🏻👏🏻I was also closed minded but have come to realise that there are idols who naturally switch into acting careers.

I do think it’s easier to like the guy idols - girls seem to earn a lot more hate. Personally, I think directing and writing has a lot to do with it, not just acting chops. We all know guys get better roles in dramaland.

1) Case Study 1: Bona. She was forgettable in The Best Hit, but she was brash and lovable in Lingerie Girls Generation. I don’t think she was ready for the lead role In Your House Helper (which I ended up dropping out of boredom), but I’ll give her a chance in the future depending on the projects she takes.

2) Case Study 2: Suzy. More controversial one. Again, depends on the show. I liked her in Gu Family Book, Dream High and While You Were Sleeping, but I couldn’t stand her in Uncontrollably Fond and dropped it after the first episode. I hope she gets projects in the future that capitalise on her strengths and hide her weakness... maybe a music drama.

I remember being really impressed with the young king and queen too. I had no idea who they were and finally stopped in the middle of an ep to look them up.

I had no idea who Bomi was but I loved her dry delivery in Because This Life. She has a great talking voice, I should look up her singing.

I really want to watch Key in something because he gets such praise. And now that I know who Shinee is I am curious about Onew in DOTS.

Circle is on my list and never connected it with the guy from Why Not Dancer. And want to watch Just Between Lovers this December, though honestly no clue who the actor is.

Good point about how many actors used to have to be a triple threat.

I think people usually have an issue with idol actors that just land a lead role in a major drama out of nowhere because it's kind of like nepotism and they usually are horrible. Most of the idol actors that I think are good usually start off in small roles and then go the usual route of working their way up, so they do put in the work - Park Hyungsik is a great example imo. What I don't get about the hate that idol actors get is that there are actors/actresses who only act who don't do much better than them.

I forgot one of my favorite Idol acting moments. G Dragon in the Infinity Challenge movie. When he realized it was not just a comedy skit.🤣

I want to thank whoever put that Leeki pic up there <3

Also, thanks @ally-le for bringing up these scene stealers who deserve everyone's love! We were just talking about Bomi yesterday, I really want to see her in something else soon!

I really liked the idol-actors names above. Most the time I have no problem with casting idols in roles suitable for their talent. Yet increasingly more talentless (acting wise) idols are securing leads that should go to better actors. What’s more frustrating is PD’s, costars, and viewers can’t even objectively criticize their need for improvement. Once a lead, even if everyone thought he/she was terrible, agencies find it unacceptable to offer said star support roles, so they just keep them in a league that they aren’t fit to play.

I don’t know many idols. If you fooled me to think you weren’t an idol, you’re on my A list, yes you Seo In Guk, Lee Joon, DO, and half of ZEA.

Hi Ally, great post!
Remember also our dear IU (although I am not sure if I should, since when acting she uses her real name), but whereas I cannot say anything magnificent about her in other dramas, because either I haven't seen those (moonlight lovers or wherever the name was, You are the best and the Producers) or she was just ok (Pretty man and Dream high), I was mesmerized by her in My Mister. She was absolutely fantastic, but I know... maybe that's why you didnt mention her, she was the lead and not a secondary character stealing the show... sorry 😑
Nevertheless, as a first Idol and second an actress, I must say I personally like her as an actress first, mostly after My Mister.
Anyway, the other dramas you mentioned... I haven't seen them, but if I would, I will pay attention to your details. Thanks for sharing!!!!

Loved this @ally-le , I thought your point about how triple threats in Hollywood are celebrated was an apt one ~ it’s interesting that the opposite is true in kdrama land.

Great write up, and congrats on getting published! 😘

LOVE this @ally-le. But *slightly* hurt you also didnt mention Gene Kelly for old hollywood. But Danny Kaye was there so all is forgiven

All jokes aside. Totally agree. I'm personally not the biggest kpop fan so it does come as a shock to me when i find these amazingly good-looking young «actors» are actually «idols». I say, watch for yourself and use your own judgement!

thank you for a wonderful that's just what i think article! they are all so good but i especially loved Key!

@ally-le Thank you for giving credit to our baby maknae Yook Sung-jae!! I don't know if you listen to BtoB's music, but Sung-jae has the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. BtoB is known for their powerful and emotional vocals, and even though he's still really young, Sung-jae's voice is already very mature and developed. When he was filming Goblin, BtoB was in the middle of promotions in Japan, and he had to work really hard to stay dedicated to his music and his group while also putting in everything he could for the drama. In every acting role he has, Sung-jae delivers very good performances for his limited experience, and on top of it, he continues to sing like an angel. BtoB adores Sung-jae as their lovely and precious youngest, but he's already a powerhouse of an idol. I hope he can have a lead role in the future!

Omg! Thank you! Again, DB editors are the best. Those screenshots! Did you even use one of mine? Maybe one. These are all so much better. And Gi-Kwang as the title shot—priceless! And my writing is really so much better after you all get through with my pieces! I tried to find those actors who were part of ensembles and couldn’t be called first or second leads even. But in their small role they made it something unique and unforgettable, just like a scene-stealer would do! Also, I haven’t seen a ton of dramas, so I’m sure there are many others that I’ve missed!

@ally-le Great write-up as always. I knew nothing of kpop and idols when I entered the world of kdrama. Okay, I still know nothing about kpop except some actors I like seem to spend an inordinate amount of time making music and singing and dancing all over the place. Sung-jae, Key, and Bomi are some of my favorite scene stealers.

Great article, @ally-le!

From the first generation of Hallyu stars, there's also Jo Hyun-jae who started out as a singer in the boy band Guardian (1 album in 1998), then moved into acting after doing a commercial. JHJ's "scene stealing" occurred during a casting call for his fourth drama, DAEMANG / GREAT AMBITION (2002-2003), which landed him his first sageuk role, and resulted in its being expanded for him. His princely aura led to roles in the film UNTOLD SCANDAL (2003) and dramas SONG OF THE PRINCE (2005-2006) and THE KING'S DAUGHTER, SU BAEK HYANG (2013-2014). He starred in 49 DAYS (2011), for which he sang the OST "Even If I Got Only One Day."

Seo Hyun-jin is another actor who started out as a Hallyu idol, the former lead singer of girl group M.I.L.K. I've read references to her scene-stealing in one of her dramas I haven't seen (FEAST OF THE GODS, perhaps?). Maybe she is not technically a scene-stealer because she was a main character in that show. Whatever. I'm just glad she went into acting. ;-)

Here's another idea for you: models who turned to acting. That would include Cha Seung-won, Song Seung-heon, and Kim Young-kwang, for starters. ;-)

I love this piece, @ally-le !! Thank you for the write up!!
When I saw this piece, my mind immediately when through a list of idol-actors/actresses that people have already forgotten that they once were or still are 'idols' because of their scene-stealing performances in dramas like the ones you've mentioned :) There are just so many of them now!!! My list goes:
Park Hyung Sik (of course, he will always be 1st and foremost for me-- SQUEE!), Im Si Wan, Kim Min Jae (his voice *swoon), Seo Hyun Jin, Hwang Jung Eum, Eugene, Bomi (love her in BTIOFL), EunJi, D.O., Seo In Guk, Choi Si Won, IU (although, was she ever considered as an 'idol'? Many see her as a true and self-made artist not 'idol'-- and I agree), Baro, JunHo, Eric Mun, Yoon Kye Sang, Kim Dong Jun....
The list goes on.....

Oh, just saw news about Choi Si Won picking up another drama. How did I forget about him? This crazy scene stealer in King of Drama and She Was Pretty is also humble enough to take small drama and movie roles at the height of his (pre-army) idol career.

This was great @ally 🙂 I didn't know Kim MinJae was an idol until I read your post. He was the reason I kept watching Tempted about 4 eps longer than I should have.

Uee and sooyoung are good idol actresses. I like them~

Thank you for this list, I think you chose the idols-turned-actors really well. I knew some of them were idols but some were a total surprise for me at times when I found out, like Gi-kwang. I remember seeing him in Monster and was sad when his character 'grew up' and was replaced by older actor. Also his character in Cirlce was so lovable yet complex, he became one of the many reasons why I liked the show so much.

Thanks for bringing this up! I really feel for the idol-turned-actors/actress because I think they face a lot of harsh criticism. Not only do they have their busy idol life promoting with their group but they have to film for a few months straight. How do they survive??

If we take away the idol title, they really are no different than actors/actresses. Some were awful at the beginning but they improved over time. Some are hit or miss. Some are crazy talented. Some sadly are just a pretty face (but hey, at least they got something going for them) and sometimes I don't mind watching a pretty face if they're ... not too horrible.

Some idols I like/respect include:
Yoon Doon Joon (always knew him as highlights leader but never thought he was crazy talented, I kept watching radio romance for him especially because of his sad hurt eyes!!)
Junho - loved him in just between lovers (if it wasn't obvious from my icon, but I think rather than natural talent, Junho really had to work hard)
UEE - not a huge fan, but she has come such a far way you're beautiful with some great dramas under her belt
KEY - loved him in drinking solo!! That role was perfect for him
Eunji - i love the vibe she brings to her characters
Joy - I do think she should have started with smaller roles rather than go straight to the main ones... slowly build her career, but I just love joy... so I guess I am biased haha, hoping she will improve because I do think she has potential
hyungsik and im shi wan - back when I was into ze:a I really thought dongjun would become the big star, but these two really surprised me!

I'm sure there's more I missed but it's late and I'm tired.

Completely agree that certain idol actors are more than just a pretty face! A perfect example for me was DO. Before I saw him in It's Okay That's Love in 2014, I had no idea whatsoever about EXO. His delivery of acting at that time gave me the impression that he was actually a veteran. Being in entertainment myself, I was really surprised.

Another good idol actor I would applaud is Eunji from A-Pink, or Hyori! They nailed their parts in the Reply series. Loved them there!

I don't know many idols, but I can often instinctively tell when an actor is an idol (I always look it up to check my hunch).

And it's never because their acting is bad - it's because I see a young actor with incredible charisma (especially for what seems to be their young age). I'm sure there are many idols trying their hand at acting who have been unremarkable and haven't stood out to me, but those that have - their charisma is no joke, and I have no doubt that they either were recruited as idols because of natural charisma or it was cultivated in their years as trainees then performers. Either way, it often gives them this x factor that makes them stand out to me when they act.

Chansung was really good in both "Queen of Seven Days" and "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim"--he made me cry in the former and laugh in the latter. Had no idea he was an idol. (I don't follow K-pop at all).